Voting is one of our most fundamental rights as U.S. citizens. Elections are managed individually by the 50 States, four territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and the District of Columbia. Registration requirements vary from State to State. Most States and territories require registration to vote absentee. Voter registration and absentee ballot request can be done at the same time by submitting the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA).

Voting laws changed in 2014. All U.S. citizens outside the United States who want to vote by absentee ballot must complete a new Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) every year if they wish to vote from abroad. You will no longer automatically receive ballots based on a previous absentee ballot request. It’s easy to do – to start the process, visit http://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter, the website of the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP). FVAP is the official U.S. government website for overseas absentee voting information.

Voting registration documents and ballots can be mailed to the United States through the U.S. Embassy Djibouti. Address envelopes clearly, affix the correct U.S. postage, and drop off envelopes at the U.S. Embassy Djibouti and the Consular entrance. In some cases, postage-paid envelopes can be printed by visiting the FVAP website, http://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter. Envelopes will be mailed one business day after receipt by the U.S. Embassy. Please allow up to two weeks for delivery to the United States.

Please make sure to check the deadlines for your state or territory of residence, which can be found by visiting http://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter, and mail your envelope early enough to meet the deadlines. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer expedited mailing service.

Be an active voter. Start thinking about your participation in future elections today!